Communication and Media

Communication and Media

(See Electronic Media / Broadcasting)

Business 

  • Sales
  • Customer service
  • Management
  • Insurance:
    • Underwriting
    • Claims management
    • Sales
  • Real estate:
    • Property management
    • Sales
  • Human resources
  • Training and development
  • Labor relations
  • Writing/Editing
  • Corporate communication
  • Office management

Employers

  • Product and service organizations
  • Retail stores
  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Manufacturers
  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Insurance companies
  • Hospitals and other healthcare organizations
  • Print and electronic media
  • Real estate agencies
  • Consulting firms
  • Research firms
  • Other business corporations

Strategies

  • Earn a minor in business or take business classes.
  • Develop strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
  • Learn to work well on a team.
  • Seek leadership roles in other campus organizations.
  • Gain experience through internships, part-time, or summer jobs.
  • Develop computer skills in areas such as spread sheets, databases, and presentation software.
  • Join related professional associations.
  • Conduct informational interviews to learn about jobs of interest and to build a network of contacts.
  • Be prepared to start in entry-level positions such as management trainee programs.
  • Look for companies that have an interest in hiring “any major.”

Public Relations/Advertising

  • Public relations
  • Advertising
  • Marketing
  • Corporate public affairs
  • Investor relations
  • Development
  • Event coordination
  • Media analysis/planning
  • Creative directing
  • Writing/Editing
  • Audience analysis
  • Public opinion research

Employers

  • Private corporations
  • Public relations firms
  • Advertising agencies
  • Radio and television companies
  • Public opinion research firms
  • Sports and entertainment organizations
  • Hospitality and tourism industry
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Labor unions
  • Educational institutions
  • Consulting firms
  • Freelance

Strategies

  • Take courses in marketing, advertising, public relations, or other area of interest.
  • Gain experience through internships, even if unpaid.
  • Develop excellent writing and public speaking skills.
  • Serve as public relations officer of an organization.
  • Develop a portfolio of writing samples, ad campaigns, and other relevant work.
  • Join related professional associations.
  • Find a mentor in a related field to provide career guidance.
  • Consider moving to cities with larger numbers of job opportunities.
  • Be prepared to start at the bottom and work into positions with greater responsibility.

Media 

  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Copywriting
  • Publishing
  • Producing
  • Managing/Directing
  • Research
  • Media sales
  • Media planning
  • Broadcasting

Employers

  • Publishing firms including newspaper, magazine and book
  • Wire services and syndicates
  • Literary agencies
  • Internet sites
  • Television and radio stations
  • Film industry
  • Freelance

Strategies

  • Take elective courses in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and advertising.
  • Develop excellent interpersonal, presentation, and research skills.
  • Work for campus or local newspaper, radio station, or television station.
  • Get related experience through internships, even if unpaid.
  • Learn webpage design and software packages relevant to publishing and media.
  • Develop a portfolio or audition tape depending on the industry.
  • Be willing to take any job in the field to get a foot in the door.

Non-Profit

  • Administration
  • Management
  • Grant writing
  • Writing/Editing
  • Fundraising/Development
  • Public relations
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Program coordination
  • Research
  • Religious Work:
    • Pastoral and other religious leadership
    • Mission work
    • Religious camp administration
    • Local ministries, e.g. youth, adult, education

Employers

  • Local and national nonprofit organizations
  • Professional associations
  • Chambers of commerce
  • Community centers
  • Philanthropies
  • Hospitals
  • Foundations
  • Churches, synagogues, mosques
  • Religious organizations (e.g. camps, retreat centers, denominational boards)
  • Think tanks

Strategies

  • Take courses in psychology, sociology, or social work to broaden perspective.
  • Develop a wide array of skills including writing, speaking, budgeting, and grant writing.
  • Obtain leadership roles in relevant campus, church, or community groups.
  • Complete one or more internship(s) with nonprofit organizations.
  • Learn to work well with different types of people.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and experience in a specialty area, e.g. public health, environment, urban issues.
  • Research organizations’ values to find a good fit with yours. It is critical that you are knowledgeable about and and care about the organizations’ missions.
  • Consider earning a master’s degree in public administration or non-profit administration.
  • For religious work, research requirements to enter leadership in the faith you want to pursue. For example, Master of Divinity and denominational ordination are required for most clergy positions.

Government

  • City or town management
  • Community affairs
  • Campaigning
  • Legislative assistance
  • Public information
  • Research
  • Lobbying
  • Conflict negotiation
  • Program administration
  • General services
  • Social services
  • Foreign service
  • Legislative, executive, or judicial services

Employers

  • There are over 170 departments and agencies in the federal government. Conduct research to determine which are a good fit for you.
  • Local and state government
  • Political parties
  • Political action committees
  • Legislatures and other elected public officials
  • School districts
  • Court systems
  • Think tanks

Strategies

  • Minor in an applicable interest area such as business, political science, or public administration.
  • Take courses in conflict management and develop negotiation skills.
  • Volunteer to work on a local or national political campaigns.
  • Join related student organizations and earn leadership roles. Get involved with student government and campus campaigns.
  • Complete an internship with a government agency to get a foot in the door.
  • Maintain a strong grade point average as many government programs are very competitive.
  • Learn local, state, and federal government job application procedures. Visit the campus career center for assistance.
  • Develop a network of contacts through informational interviews and referrals.

Law

  • Prosecution
  • Defense
  • Contractual
  • Corporate
  • Nonprofit or public interest
  • Government
  • Mediation
  • Other specialties
  • Law assistance

Employers

  • Law firms
  • Federal, state, and local government
  • Private practice
  • Corporations
  • Special interest groups
  • Universities and colleges
  • Legal aid societies
  • Nonprofit and public interest organizations, e.g. ACLU, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Legal Services Corporation
  • Legal clinics
  • Other private legal services

Strategies

  • Develop strong research skills and attention to detail.
  • Participate in debate or forensic team to hone communication skills.
  • Choose courses or a minor to specialize in a particular area of law, e.g. a minor in business for a career in corporate law.
  • Find part-time or summer work in a law firm.
  • Shadow an attorney to learn more about the field and various specialties.
  • Get involved in pre-law organizations.
  • Plan to attend law school and earn a law degree. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Prepare for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
  • Obtain specialized certification for paralegal positions.

Higher Education 

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Information/Library science
  • Fundraising/Development
  • University communications/Outreach
  • Administration and Student Support Services:
    • Admissions, financial aid. advising, development, alumni affairs, international education and study abroad, student affairs (e.g. residence life, student activities, orientation, leadership, Greek life, multicultural affairs, recreational sports)

Employers

  • Four-year colleges and universities
  • Two-year and community colleges
  • Technical schools
  • Medical and professional schools

Strategies

  • Ph.D. required for teaching and research in colleges and universities. Maintain a high grade point average and secure strong faculty recommendations. Assist a faculty member with research.
  • Earn a master’s degree in information science for librarianships or college student personnel/higher education administration for other positions.
  • Develop strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills.
  • Get involved in campus leadership roles in residence halls, student unions/activities, programming boards, orientation, admissions, etc.
  • Learn to work well with a variety of people.

General Information

  • Communication Studies is a broad degree that can lead to job opportunities in many different fields. Skills and experiences gained through co-curricular activities, internships, part-time jobs, and volunteering are critical in shaping a career path. Develop a career goal and seek the right background to become a strong candidate.
  • Communication Studies is good preparation for graduate school in many disciplines including communication, law, education, business, public administration. Maintain a strong grade point average to increase opportunities for admission into graduate programs.
  • Explore specializations within major and professional field. Select electives to enhance knowledge in area(s) of interest or find a minor that will add value.
  • Develop strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Gain experience with public speaking by joining Toastmasters.
  • Get involved in campus activities and professional organizations. Learn to work well on a team and develop leadership skills.
  • Build a network of contacts. Once in a position, find an experienced mentor.

Professional Associations

Occupational Outlook

Related Resources

Employment Opportunities

 

 

Electronic Media / Broadcasting

Television 

  • Programming
  • Producing
  • Promotion
  • News reporting
  • News producing
  • News videography
  • Sportscasting
  • Weather forecasting
  • Anchoring
  • Editing
  • Directing
  • Casting
  • Research
  • Management
  • Sales
  • Public relations

Employers

  • Major networks
  • Local commercial television stations
  • Public television stations
  • Cable television
  • Private production companies
  • Government
  • Business corporations

Strategies

  • Participate in campus media: student television and cable stations.
  • Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
  • Complete practicums at local television stations and internships at local or national TV stations, networks, or cable systems.
  • Join student broadcasting organizations.
  • Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and editing skills.
  • Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at local high schools.
  • Consider taking courses in political science, economics, sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting careers.
  • Read trade publications.
  • Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way up the ladder. Professionals often move frequently for career advancement.
  • A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.
  • Take time to learn another language as being bi-lingual will give you a competitive edge.

Radio

  • News
  • Programming
  • Production
  • Promotion
  • Management
  • Announcing
  • Research
  • Sales

Employers

  • National networks
  • National public radio
  • Digital stations
  • State or regional networks
  • Major, medium, and small market stations
  • Local commercial stations and groups

Strategies

  • Work at the student radio station. Join radio or music organizations on campus.
  • Complete an internship at a station.
  • Announce sporting events for your university.
  • Host music programming for parties and social events.
  • Coordinate, program, and promote musical events.
  • Gain performance experience through music, drama, or public speaking.
  • Create a demonstration tape to be used as a sample of vocal and speaking talent.
  • Enhance public speaking skills by practicing with a handheld recorder.
  • Radio job markets are known to fluctuate, be prepared to weather the changes.

Internet

  • Webcasting
  • Podcasting
  • Web design/development
  • Website maintenance
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Sales and marketing

Employers

  • Internet based companies (e.g., Yahoo or Google)
  • Companies specializing in webcasting services and technology
  • Businesses in a variety of industries
  • Colleges and universities
  • Nonprofit organizations

Strategies

  • Gain expertise in computer and Internet technology.
  • Learn how to design websites.
  • Become familiar with a variety of languages and software packages on various platforms.
  • Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.
  • Volunteer to create or maintain websites for student organizations or local nonprofits.
  • Assist in campus webcasts if possible.

Video Production 

  • Directing
  • Management
  • Production
  • Writing
  • Post-Production/Editing
  • Videography
  • Digital production

Employers

  • Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
  • Large corporations
  • Universities and colleges
  • Post-production companies
  • Professional associations
  • Non-profit organizations

Strategies

  • Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience through starting a small business or taking business courses.
  • Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus videographers or television stations.
  • Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest (e.g., develop relationships with wedding photographers in order to build wedding videography business).
  • Enter video contests.
  • Cultivate artistic talents.

Social Media Management 

  • Strategy
  • Content planning
  • Community management
  • Marketing and promotions
  • Blogging
  • Copy writing
  • Search engine marketing
  • Online customer service
  • Social photography

Employers

  • Public relations firms
  • Marketing agencies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Social media management companies
  • Media outlets
  • Corporations in a variety of industries
  • Web application companies
  • Freelance

Strategies

  • Gain experience with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter and location- based social media sites, Yelp and Gowalla)
  • Be adept at learning new technology and tools quickly. Stay abreast of industry news.
  • Establish an online presence for yourself, and use it in your job search.
  • Complete an internship in social media.
  • Volunteer to maintain social media for campus organizations.
  • Develop skills important to this field: communication, creativity, relationship building, and project management.
  • Take courses in marketing, journalism, copy writing, and technology.
  • Research an industry of interest to learn about its social media presence.
  • Learn how to effectively manage negative press.

Education 

  • Broadcast management
  • Production
  • Journalism
  • Script writing
  • Mass communications
  • Media arts
  • Digital communication

Employers

  • Colleges and universities
  • Technical schools
  • Public and private high schools

Strategies

  • Obtain a PhD for college and university teaching opportunities.
  • Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities. You will need certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign languages, English, theater, social studies, or art.
  • Volunteer to assist local high school students with productions.
  • Actively participate in campus radio, television, or theatrical organizations.

General Information

  • Internships are crucial for breaking into the field of electronic media and broadcasting. Complete several internships if possible.
  • Develop excellent technical and computer skills, especially internet proficiency and knowledge.
  • Seek opportunities for experience in any performance situation such as drama, debate, public speaking, music or athletics in order to demonstrate talent as well as ability to handle pressure.
  • Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, organizational skills, competitive spirit, enthusiasm, persistence, and diplomacy.
  • Display appropriate talents for public performance and appearance such as a sense of humor, verbal and written communication skills, imagination, showmanship, and an outgoing personality.
  • Consider shadowing or informational interviewing as a means through which to gain information, develop contacts, build mentoring relationships, and gain entry into a competitive field.
  • Be willing to start at the bottom doing entry level tasks before moving up to larger markets or organizations.
  • Understand that geographic flexibility and a willingness to relocate are important in finding job opportunities.
  • Study all aspects of the industry and stay up-to-date through continuing education or training.
  • Maintain an active professional/personal social media account.
  • Be prepared to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Work environment and schedules will vary. Be flexible, especially in the first years of working.
  • Many journalists work across television, radio, and digital platforms. Gain experience in all three.

Professional Associations

Occupational Outlook

Related Resources

Employment Opportunities